Gao Shuijuan, owner of Happy Maids restaurant in Hangzhou, poses for photo with her soap made using leftover oil. [Photo/hznews.hangzhou.com.cn]

A local media outlet in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, has recently released a list of restaurants renowned for their classic flavor of traditional Hangzhou-style food.

For foodies who are keen to discover the local cuisine culture in Hangzhou, here's a list of restaurants you shouldn't miss.

1. Yahui Restaurant (雅惠酒家)

Address: No 640-644 Jiangcheng Road, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou

Business hours: 10:30-14:00, 16:00-21:00

Telephone: 0571-87808111

Situated on the bustling Jiangcheng Road, Yahui Restaurant, though it may seem ordinary, is the longest-standing small Hangzhou-style restaurant in the city.

The restaurant started operations in 1983 and has been operating for 37 years. It is most famous for its braised meat balls in brown sauce.

2. No 23 Qiangmen Dish (23号墙门菜)

Address: No 23 Jietan Temple Alley, Hangzhou

Business hours: 10:00-14:00, 16:30-21:00

This restaurant focuses on home-made dishes that may be quite familiar to local Hangzhou residents. Its most famous dish is fish with pickles and bamboo shoots.

Regular customers will have the privilege of being served specialties that are not included on the menu.

3. Shi Bu Shi Huo Restaurant 食不食货 (西湖大道总店)

Address: No 101, first floor, Jintai Commerce Building, Qingtai Street, Hangzhou

Business hours: 11:00-13:30, 16:00-01:00

This restaurant went viral online for its array of cooked crayfishes. Visitors are also encouraged to taste the stinky toufu and stir-fried kidney with assorted vegetables.

4. Happy Maids (开心厨娘)

Address: No 68 Youshengguan Road, Shangcheng district, Hangzhou

Business hours: 10:30-14:00, 16:00-21:00

Youshengguan Road is one of the oldest roads in Hangzhou. It is renowned as the former residence of Xiaozong, emperor during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

The owner of the restaurant is well-known for her environmental protection efforts. She makes soap using leftover oil and donates them to sanitation workers and customers.

Before customers order, the owner will ask about the flavors they prefer and their appetite to ensure food will not be wasted.